Supply of controlled, medium-pressure carbon dioxide gas in simple, convenient disposable packaging

ABSTRACT

A CO 2  gas generator for an aerosol device is located in a housing and chemically generates CO 2  from a chemical reaction between two reagents contained within a common container. The reagents are located in different chambers of the container with a CO 2  accumulation region being included in one of the chambers. A reference pressure source of a predetermined pressure forces the two reagents into contact with each other when the pressure of gas in the CO 2  accumulation region is less than the predetermined pressure whereupon CO 2  is generated in one of the chambers. An output conduit in fluid communication with the CO 2  accumulation region is provided to withdraw the generated gas from the generator. As the CO 2  is withdrawn, the gas pressure drops permitting more mixing of the reagents. When the CO 2  pressure becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure applied by the reference pressure source, the reagents become separated again and gas generation ceases.

This application is a division of copending application Ser. No.07/525,067, filed on May 18, 1990, now pending, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/423,697, filed on Oct.17, 1989, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,627, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 07/108,921, filed on Oct. 15, 1987, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to gas generators and moreparticularly to a disposable CO₂ gas generator which utilizes chemicalreactants to generate the CO₂ gas.

Conventional CO₂ gas cylinders are heavy, relatively expensive andavailable only as returnable, refillable packages. Since such cylindersare under very high pressure, handling requires appropriate care.

With the trend toward mini-sized and home-dispensers for soft-drinks,where the syrup-packaging is generally one-way, it is logisticallyattractive to make one-way CO₂ packaging also available. Moreover,certain conventional distribution channels, such as supermarket stores,could only be effectively exploited if one-way packaging were available.An additional factor is that lay dispenser users are understandablynervous of handling high-pressure gas cylinders. High pressure CO₂capsules, generally containing about 8 g CO₂, are already available, butthese are expensive and restricted in practical capacity to a limit ofaround 16-20 g. They do not, therefore, represent a solution, since suchquantities are barely sufficient for carbonating 2 liters of beveragewithout reckoning the considerable additional CO₂ quantities needed forpropulsion of the beverage in the dispenser.

Inexpensive, light-weight, unpressurized or moderately pressurized CO₂packaging can therefore provide a whole scope of new businessopportunities with respect to small-sized dispensers designed fornon-professional users.

This invention is directed to two main objectives which are notpresently met with state of the art apparatus: first, to provide adisposable alternative to the conventional high pressure gas cylinder,utilized, for example, in pre-mix beverage dispensers suitable for homeuse, and second to provide a miniature self-pressure controlling sourcefor such application as pressurizing the head space of beverage bottlesand aerosol cans.

Clearly, if a disposable device is to be acceptable in practice for homeuse, it must be safe to use, at least as easy and convenient as a gascylinder, and provide acceptable economics. This is a very exactingrequirement, since gas cylinders are generally very safe, require onlyone single coupling-up action by the user, who does not need any specialknowledge, and are reusable almost indefinitely. Known devices, whichcall for a series of manipulations by the user, are unacceptable sincethey can never provide an adequate substitute for a single-manipulationgas cylinder. Even two manipulations are inconvenient in comparison withthe existing alternative and are also inherently unsafe, because anunsophisticated user can mistakenly use the wrong sequence. Moreover,heavy, complicated devices, may achieve the required convenience andsafety aspects, but fail to meet the economic requirements.

To provide a miniature self-pressure controlling source of gas for suchapplications as aerosols or beverage bottles comprises a task which isquite different from the first since the first objective involves arelatively large gas supply while the second implies the capability ofminiaturizing a self-controlled gas supply source. The second objective,moreover, does not provide an alternative to an existing conventionalsystem, but rather provides something for low-boiling point gases suchas CO₂, which is currently not available at all.

Gas cylinders, such as used for supplying CO₂ to carbonated beveragedispensers, must support very high pressures and are therefore heavy,expensive, and only suitable as refillable non-disposable containers. Inmany applications, a gas supply in an inexpensive disposable packagewould be of great benefit, but such a device would have to circumventthe need to store gas at high pressure, since this inevitably impliesheavy-walled expensive vessels, defeating the disposability objective.The present invention resolves this problem by generating gas on demandat a predetermined controlled pressure.

For pressurizing the head-space of small containers, e.g. aerosols,beverage bottles, soda syphons, etc., two basic methods have hithertobeen available. First, a liquid close to its boiling point at normaltemperatures has been used, for example, in aerosol containers. However,this method involves using chemicals having doubtful health andenvironmental properties. Secondly, containers have been known to bepressurized by a relatively safe permanent gas, such as air to CO₂, butthis has required high pressures and doubtful safety as well aseconomics. A gas source, which maintains itself at reasonably constantpressure, responds to demand and can be provided by a device, which issmall enough to be fitted into small containers, would provide asolution to this problem, since CO₂ can be used to fill the headspacewithout the attendant high-pressure penalties.

A well-known device originally produced for laboratory use is referredto as a Kipps apparatus. However, this equipment can only produce gas atpressures of a few mm Hg and is not portable in its fully loaded state.Furthermore, it is not in a form which can be disposable. It alsorequires operation by a trained user. It is, therefore, neither compactnor convenient for use outside a laboratory. A Kipps apparatus, however,can be filled with its solid reagent, and in the absence of the liquidreagent, can be portable. Several other known devices do use aKipps-like principle and obtain a portability feature, simply byrequiring that the user adds the liquid reagent on site. This, however,is inconvenient.

Still other devices recognize the fact that it is difficult to controlthe gas production on demand and, at the same time, make the systemportable and suitable for any chosen gas pressure. These devices obviatethe problem by employing a single-step reaction, i.e. a reaction inwhich all the chemicals are mixed and give up their total gas content ina single operation. But such devices cannot be connected to conventionalgas users with continuous gas demand, such as beverage dispensers. Ineffect, the gas produced by the single-step reaction needs a gascylinder to store it, so the purpose is defeated. Moreover, most ofthese devices also require manipulation by the user, usually theaddition of water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to providea device, which enables the generation of gas at a predeterminedpressure, by automatically mixing the necessary reagents to the requireddegree.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fullyautomatic gas generator which is also portable and easily deliverable.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide adisposable gas generator which is at or near user pressure.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anon-pressurized device which can be combined with an outside referencepressure source to generate gas automatically by mixing the necessaryreagents to the degree required to maintain the reference pressure.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device,which can maintain a predetermined pressure in the head-space of abeverage container during use.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a device,which can maintain a predetermined pressure in a liquid container andalso propel the liquid through a simple dispensing head.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide adispensing head for a container of a simple disposable construction.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a gas generatorcapsule construction suitable for use in an aerosol container formaintaining head space pressure.

The present invention involves the use of a substance, such as sodiumbicarbonate, which in contact with a liquid acid, such as phosphoricacid, generates a gas, namely carbon dioxide (CO₂). Alternatively, apowdered mixture of bicarbonate and a solid acid, such as citric acid,may be employed and then only water is needed to release the CO₂ gas.The chemicals used can be types normally found in beverages, so thattheir use in a beverage dispensing system, or other food application,need not arouse concern. Since the chemicals only generate a gaspressure when they are mixed in the aqueous state, their packaging canbe relatively simple.

According to the present invention, a plurality of devices are shown anddescribed which package the chemicals within a system, which release CO₂at a predetermined pressure. It allows the chemicals to be consumed onlyas and when CO₂ gas is drawn off i.e. on demand, whereby the chemicalsreact just sufficiently to maintain the required user pressure. The netresult is that the chemical mixture can either be supplied as a liquidsystem or as a liquid-solid system or finally as a solid system,depending on application. It furthermore can be contained in relativelysimple plastic packaging, capable of withstanding only moderatepressures, or depending on the system employed by the user, even innon-pressurized dry solid form. this involves relatively inexpensivepackaging and the system as a whole can provide the user with simplicityand convenience.

A convenient CO₂ gas-generation package is also disclosed which has usesin many household applications associated with beverages and otherproducts, aside from direct use in beverage dispensers. Examples ofthese include: (a) pencil-like capsules inserted in large carbonatedbeverage bottles prior to capping, which release CO₂ once the closure isapplied, and thus maintain a CO₂ pressure in the head-space of thepackage until the product is consumed; (b) inclusion of gas-generator insimple pre-mix dispensing heads, thus maintaining a head-space pressurein extra-large beverage bottles and bottles of other products, so thatthe user may dispense the liquid by simply pressing the dispensing head;and (c) inclusion of a gas-generator in devices requiring a propellantgas, such as aerosol cans, since presently used halogenated hydrocarbonsare known to be potentially harmful and since CO₂ is both non-flammableand completely harmless both to humans and the environment.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only and are not meant to be interpreted ina limiting sense, since various changes and modifications within thespirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilledin the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood when thedetailed description given hereinbelow is considered with theaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIGS. 1A to 1C are side elevational diagrammatic views illustrating thebasic principles of the gas generators of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A to 2H are diagrammatic views illustrating further variations ofthe basic principles for the gas generators of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are central longitudinal sectional views of a firstembodiment of a gas generator according to the present invention;

FIGS. 3C and 3D are central longitudinal sectional views of a secondembodiment of a gas generator according to the present invention;

FIGS. 3E and 3F are central longitudinal sectional views of a thirdembodiment of a gas generator according to the present invention;

FIGS. 3G and 3H are central longitudinal sectional views of a fourthembodiment of a gas generator according to the present invention;

FIGS. 3I and 3J are central longitudinal sectional views of a fifthembodiment of a gas generator according to the present invention;

FIGS. 3K and 3L are central longitudinal sectional views of a sixthembodiment of a gas generator according to the present invention;

FIGS. 4A to 4C are illustrative of a gas generator capsule of thepresent invention inserted in a beverage bottle, FIG. 4A being asectional view of the capsule, FIGS. 4B being a partial sectional viewof the capsule in a bottle, and FIG. 4C being a diagrammatic viewillustrating the relative proportions of the capsule and the bottle;

FIGS. 5A to 5C depict the use of the gas generator of the presentinvention in a beverage bottle equipped with a manually actuabledispensing head; and

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the use of a gas generator capsule of thepresent invention in an aerosol container for maintaining the requiredgas head-space pressure therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Basic Principles

The basic principles underlying the present invention are shown in themechanical schematic diagrams of FIGS. 1A to 1C. First, in FIG. 1A, acontainer 10 includes an upper and lower chamber 12 and 14. Apre-pressurized gas G_(a) in the upper chamber 12 presses a reagentR_(a) through a small orifice SO. As reagent R_(a) contacts reagentR_(b) in the lower chamber 14, a gas G_(b) such as CO₂ is released.Reagent R_(a) continues to flow through to the chamber 14, until the gaspressure in chamber 14 is equal to that of chamber 12 whereas flow stopsdue to the surface tension of liquid R_(a) on the orifice 50.

The size of the orifice SO is designed in accordance with the type ofreagent R_(a) utilized and the desired pressure of the gas G_(a) presentin the upper chamber 12. When G_(b) gas is drawn off by opening valve Vin the line 16, more reagent R_(a) flows into chamber 14 so as toequalize pressures again. The pre-set pressure of the gas G_(a) inchamber 12 acts as a reference and controls the product gas-pressureaccordingly. In effect, it acts as a pre-set memory pressure. As aresult, the gas content of reagents R_(a) and R_(b) is released only asit is used and the total pressure of the system does not exceed that ofthe pre-set reference of G_(a), which in effect is the user-pressure,i.e. the lowest system-pressure possible. The system is thus automaticin response and once pre-packaged delivers gas at the pre-arrangedpressure until the reagents are exhausted. The user only needs to openvalve V. As a result, simple materials can be used for packaging thesystem, since relatively low pressures are involved.

Regarding the reagents R₁ and R_(b), many options are available. ReagentR_(a), for example, can be simply water, while R_(b) would thenpreferably be a solid mixture of alkali and acid (e.g. sodiumbicarbonate and citric acid). Alternatively, R_(a) could be an acidsolution (e.g. phosphoric acid) and R_(b) an alkali such as sodiumbicarbonate, enabling quicker system responses to pressure change. Forrapid system response to pressure change, both R_(a) and R_(b) could beaqueous solutions, as indicated in FIG. 1B.

The pressure memory provided by gas G_(a) in chamber 12 can, whendesired, be replaced by a mechanical system, such as a spring, as shownin FIG. 1C, if this is more convenient to a particular application. Insuch a case, the gas in chamber 12 is replaced by a spring S_(p) and apiston or membrane P, or by similar devices. All devices must have theeffect of providing a constant and desired pressure on the reagent R_(a)the orifice SO.

Depending on application, other variations of the basic principle arealso possible, as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2H. For example, as depicted inFIGS. 2A-2D, the reagents R_(a) and R_(b) may be allowed to achieve abalance, whereby reagent R_(a) flowing down a connecting duct 18 on theside of the container 10 is pushed back into chamber 12 once the gaspressures G_(a) and G_(b) have equalized. This feature can be used,where precise control of the equilibrium is desirable.

In FIG. 2A, reagent R_(a) flows into reagent R_(b) until the gaspressure G_(b) in the lower chamber 14 is in equilibrium with G_(a). Atthat point, the reagent R_(a) is pushed back by the pressure away fromR_(b), stopping the reaction. In FIG. 2B, the same effect is achievedusing a spring SP or similar mechanical pressure exerting device,together with a piston P or movable membrane, instead of a pre-set gaspressure. In FIG. 2C the gas G_(b), e.g. CO₂ is ducted internally viathe duct 20 to the top of the container 10 which may be important incertain applications. When desirable, another valve V1 can be insertedin the duct 18 to stop all flow of the reagent R_(a) into the lowerchamber 14 until required by the user.

For applications where a gas outlet 22 is desired to be centrallylocated at the top of the container 10, FIGS. 2E and 2F illustrate thesame principles as FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C but here the position of thereagents R_(a) and R_(b) is reversed, i.e. reagent R_(b) is located inthe upper chamber 12 while reagent R_(a) is located in the lower chamber14.

During transportation, the reagent R_(a) duct 18 in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C,and 2E would be capped by means, not shown, and opened at the time ofuse. Otherwise, inadvertent mixing of reagents could occur. This can beachieved by a simple valve arrangement, which is opened when thegas-generator is finally connected for use. An example of this valving(V₁) is illustrated in FIG. 2D.

The reagent R_(b) can also be suspended and located centrally betweentwo fine sieves or screens 24 and 26 as illustrated in FIG. 2G. In sucha case, the reagent R_(a) does not directly contact reagent R_(b) evenif the container 10 is placed in a horizontal or vertical position andcannot run out of the gas outlet 22 because of the configuration of thegas outlet tube. The gas G_(a) in pressure chamber 14 acts through amembrane or piston P and thus gas G_(a) cannot mix with the gas G_(b) inthe upper chamber 12. This type of structure can be transported withoutdisturbing the system and is always ready for use once valve V isopened. A variation of the same system would be to use a spring Sp andpiston P instead of the gas G_(a) as shown in FIG. 2F.

Still another variation of a transportable system, is shown in 2H. Therethe reagent R_(b) is suspended between two fine screens 24 and 26 withthe reagent R_(a) also being supplied through a small orifice 28. Apre-pressurized flexible gas pouch FP, dead-weighted by means of aweight 30, is now located in the lower chamber 14 so that it sinks tothe bottom of the container 10. The pouch FP expands as the reagentR_(a) becomes used to maintain the pressure in the lower chamber 14.Once G_(b) is in equilibrium with the pressure in FP, the reagent R_(a)is pushed back into the chamber 14 and gas generation of G_(b) stops.Surface tension forces, as before, prevent leakage of reagent R_(a) ontoR_(b) once pressures are equalized in chamber 12 and 14, even if thedevice 10 is inverted or placed in a horizontal position.

Pre-pressuring of the gas space with G_(a) in the pouch FP can beachieved by using coated reagent pellets, not shown, together withreagent R_(a). The pouch FP can be sealed in an unpressurized state anda predetermined pressure thereafter generated on demand dependententirely on the quantity of reagents used. The slowly-dissolving coatingcould, for example, be comprised of sugar or some otherslowly-dissolving medium in water or they could be activated upon beingcrushed or pressed together prior to use.

As a further option, the pressurized pouch FP can contain a liquid whoseboiling point is chosen to provide a constant pressure at apredetermined operating temperature. Such an arrangement would be morecompact, since less volume would be required.

The variations thus described are intended to indicate only a portion ofthe range of embodiments which utilize the same basic principles. Allmay have application depending on the type of user-system employed.

Physical Construction

Gas Generator

Referring now to the FIGS. 3A-3L and where like reference numerals referto like parts, a first embodiment of a gas generator based upon theprinciples set forth above is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. There a gasgenerating container 10₁, including an upper chamber 12 and a lowerchamber 14, is formed from a base section 30, an upper or intermediatesection 32 and a top or cap section 34. These three sections areconstructed from moulded plastic parts and include interfitting flangeportions as shown for providing a closed container.

Before discussing further details of the container 10₁, it should benoted that it is located for use in a vessel comprising a housingstructure 36₁ including a lower gas generator compartment 37₁ having aside access door 38₁ and an upper compartment 40₁ which is adapted tosupport and house an actuator mechanism 42₁ which includes means fordispensing a gas G_(b) such as CO₂ generated in the upper chamber 12 ofthe container 10₁.

The actuator 42₁ is comprised of, among other things, support member 44which is secured to the inner wall surfaces of the upper compartment40₁. A manually operated actuator arm 46 is pivotally connected to amounting block 45 including an upwardly protruding stop member 47. Theactuator arm 46 further includes an inner portion 48 which pivotallyconnects to a straight link 50 which is attached at its lower extremityto a plunger element 52 which slidably reciprocates within a bore 54 inthe support member 44.

The plunger 52 includes a gas passage 56 which terminates in its lowerend in a flared coupling 58 including a sealing ring 60 which is adaptedto seat on the upper end of a G_(b) gas output tube 62 projecting out ofthe top or cap section 34 of the gas generator container 10₁. The upperextremity of the gas passage 56 couples to a horizontal dispensing tube64 which feeds out of the upper compartment 40.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a counterclockwise downward movementof a handle 66 on the actuator arm 44 forces the plunger 52 downwardwhere it contacts and seals against the upper portion of the output tube62. Prior to such actuation, such as during transportation, and prior touse, a removable protective plastic cap 67 would be located over the endof the tube 62 as shown in FIG. 3A. Also, the output tube 62 includes amanually operated valve 68 which is kept in the closed position untilgas generation is desired.

This now leads back to the details of the container 10₁ shown in FIGS.3A and 3B. The base section 30, which includes the chamber 14, containsa flexible plastic pouch 70 which is shown in FIG. 3A in a compressedstate. Included therein is a dead-weight element 72 and a plurality ofcoated reagent pellets 74 of a solid reagent R_(b) and a liquid reagentR_(a) in predetermined proportions so that a gas G_(a), as shown in FIG.3B, will be generated once the coating on the pellets 74 has beendissolved or otherwise broken. A liquid reagent R_(a) also partiallyfills the chamber 14 around the pouch 70, but will expand to fill thelower chamber 14 when the flexible pouch 70 expands as shown in FIG. 3Bwhen the G_(a) is generated therein.

The upper section 32 also includes a transverse wall 33 which contains acentralized orifice SO for the passage of reagent R_(a) upwardlytherethrough under pressure supplied by the gas G_(a) in the pouch 70 asshown in FIG. 3B. A filter element 35 in the form of a sieve, screen orpiece of filter paper is laid on the top surface of the wall 33. ReagentR_(b) is poured in pellet or powder form on top of the filter element35, after which a fine retention screen 37 is positioned over thereagent. The top or cap section 34 includes an inwardly projecting sidewall 39 which acts to hold the reagent retention screen 37 in place.

Upon the generation of the gas G_(a) within the pouch 70, the reagentR_(a) will travel upwardly through the orifice R_(b) where the gasG_(b), preferably CO₂, will be generated and held in the space providedin the upper region of the chamber 12. As soon as the gas pressure ofthe gas G_(b) rises to the pressure of the gas G_(a) in the pouch 70,reagent R_(a) will be forced back into the lower chamber 14 and with thepouch 70 being forced to contract appropriately.

Assuming that the actuator mechanism 42₁ has been activated as shown inFIG. 3B, a turning of the valve 68 to its open position will cause thegas G_(b), i.e. CO₂, to rise in the output tube 62 where it is deliveredto the dispensing tube 64 through the gas passage 56 in the plungermember 52. This is accompanied by an expansion of the pouch 70 whichbrings further reagent R_(a) into contact with the reagent R_(b) due tothe lowering of the gas pressure in the chamber 12, thus maintaining therequired gas supply pressure at a predetermined value.

Referring now to FIGS. 3C and 3D, shown thereat is a second embodimentof the invention which also includes a gas generator container, ahousing therefor, and an actuating mechanism. As shown, this containeris now identified by reference numeral 10₂ and is comprised of acylindrical unitary body section 76 having a transverse wall 78 acrossthe middle which includes an aperture 80. A filter member 35 ispositioned across the wall 78 as before in the first embodiment. Arounded top or cap section 82 is shown including a frangible disk 84formed in cup-like section 86 including an upwardly protruding rim 88.

A rounded bottom section 90 is also shown attached to the cylindricalbody section 76 and includes an upturned spike 92 which is located in aninverted cup-like section 94 which fits down over a post 96 formed inthe bottom wall 98 of the lower compartment 37₂. The bottom section 90also includes a downwardly projecting cylindrical rim 100 which isaligned with the cylindrical body section 76.

An elongated reagent tube 102 for the flow of liquid reagent R_(a) ismounted on the aperture 80 of the cross wall 78 and extends downwardlyinto the lower chamber 14. The lower end of the tube 102 contains a foiltype seal or membrane 104 which can be pierced by the spike 92positioned directly beneath it.

Considering the actuator mechanism for this embodiment which is shown byreference numeral 42', it is similar to that shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B,with the exception that the plunger 52 has been modified into a puncturetype mechanism 52' which includes a spring loaded punch 106 memberlocated within a sleeve 108 including a shoulder 110 which is adapted toengage the circular rim 88 of the section 86 in the cap 82 of thecontainer 10₂.

Referring now to FIG. 3D, when the handle 66 is actuated as shown, thepunch mechanism 52' is lowered so that the shoulder 110 of sleeve 108seats on the rim 88 which then permits the punch 106 to knock out thefrangible disk 84 shown in FIG. 3C. At the same time, the wholecontainer 10₂ is pushed downwardly until the cylindrical rim 100 of thebottom section 90 strikes the bottom wall 98 of the lower compartment37₂ which causes the spike 92 to puncture the membrane 104 at the bottomof the reagent tube 102.

With the upper chamber 12 containing the reagent R_(b), and the lowerchamber 14 containing the liquid reagent R_(a) in the lower portion andwith the gas G_(a) in the upper portion, when the spike 92 punctures themembrane 104, the gas G_(a) will force the reagent R_(a) up through thetube 102 where it contacts the reagent R_(b) after being filtered by theelement 35. As before, CO₂ gas, for example, is formed in the upperportion of the chamber 12 where it is fed out to the delivery tube 64.

Considering now the third embodiment of the invention, it is depicted inFIGS. 3E and 3F. This embodiment is substantially the same as the secondembodiment shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D with the exception of theconstruction of the gas generating container. As shown, this gasgenerating container is identified by reference numeral 10₃. Thecontainer 10₃ includes both top and bottom sections 82 and 90,respectively, which are the same as the second embodiment. Theconstruction of container 10₃ differs with the shape of the cylindricalbody section 76 and its internal construction. As shown, the generallycylindrical body section 76 includes a lower section 77 which is widenedto accommodate a separate closed R_(a) reagent container 112. Thereagent container 112 includes a separate side wall section 114 which issecured to the lower body section 77. It also includes an upper wallsection 116 which is thickened at 117 to accommodate the filter element35 and to provide a liquid flow path 118 to the reagent R_(b). The lowerwall 118 funnels down to a membrane or sealing member 120.

As shown in FIG. 3F, when the actuator 42' is operated, the mechanism52' lowers into position over the cup section 86 where the spring loadedpunch 106 again removes the frangible disk 84. The container 10₃ is alsoforced downward, causing the spike 92 to pierce the seal/membrane 120.The reagent container 112 includes a pressurized gas G_(a) and a reagentR_(a), which then flows out into the space 122, where it is forcedupward around the side wall 114 to the location of the filter 35 and thereagent R_(b), whereupon CO₂, for example, will be generated and fed upthrough the punch 106 and channel 56 to the outlet tube 64 as before.

With respect to the fourth embodiment of the invention, it is disclosedin FIGS. 3G and 3H. This embodiment constitutes a modification of thethird embodiment shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F insofar as the innerconstruction of the gas generator container is concerned. As shown, thecontainer is identified by reference numeral 10₄ and is comprised of anelongated cylindrical body section 76 and including a previouslydescribed top cap section 82 and a bottom or base section 90. Thedifference is in the chambers 12 and 14.

Now instead of having top and bottom chambers for the reagents R_(b) andR_(a), respectively, this embodiment contemplates annular outer chamber12' and an elongated concentric inner chamber 14', respectively, withthe inner chamber 14' being formed by means of an inverted elongatedbottle shaped closed container member 124 which is held in place by apedestal type structure 126 attached to the bottom section 90 and aflange 128 formed on the inner portion of the top section 82. Thepedestal 126 includes one or more openings 128 and filter elements 35'therein for the flow of reagent R_(a) therethrough. The upper portion ofthe bottle type container 124 also includes one or more openings 130therein for the passage of the gas G_(b) therethrough as shown in FIG.3H.

Further as shown in FIGS. 3G and 3H, pressurized gas G_(a) and reagentR_(a) is located in the inverted bottle type container 124 which issurrounded by reagent R_(b). When the actuator mechanism 42' is operatedas shown in FIG. 3H, a seal 132 in the neck of container 124 ispunctured by the spike 92, causing the reagent R_(a) to flow out of theopenings 128 in the pedestal 126 where it contacts the reagent R_(b),causing the gas G_(b) to be generated. The gas G_(b) then accumulates inthe top portion of the chamber 12', where it is fed out to the outlettube 64 in a manner previously described.

With respect to the fifth embodiment which is shown in FIGS. 3I and 3J,it comprises an inverted version of the third embodiment shown in FIGS.3E and 3F where the position of the two reagents R_(a) and R_(b) arereversed, i.e. the reagent R_(a) is located above the reagent R_(b).

As shown for example in FIG. 3I, an inner reagent container 132 which issimilar in shape to the container 112, shown in FIG. 3E and 3F, islocated in the top portion of the body member 76, which includes anupper enlarged region 79 to accommodate the inner container 132. Thecontainer 132 is also inverted as before; however it now has a neckportion 134 which is fitted with a cap 136 including a filter element138 and a puncturable seal 140. Inner container 132, also contains apressurized gas G_(a) and a liquid reagent R_(a). The bottom section 90of the outer container 10₅ also is fitted with an elongated cylindricalpunch member 142, the top portion of which resides adjacent the seal 140of the inner container 132. The reagent R_(b), as shown, surrounds thepunch member 142 in the lower portion of the body member 76.

Upon operation of the actuator 42' as illustrated in FIG. 3J, thespring-loaded punch 106 severs the frangible disk 84 in the uppersection 82 as well as forcing the container 10₅ downward as before. Thisin turn causes the post 96 to force the cylindrical punch member 142upward where it pierces the seal 140 in the cap 136, whereupon reagentR_(a) will flow down into contact with the reagent R_(b). The gas G_(b)generated thereby flows up and around the inner container 132 to theupper region of the top section 82 where it is fed to the outlet tube64.

This now leads to the sixth embodiment which is shown in FIGS. 3K and3L. There a modification of the gas generator compartment contemplated.As shown by reference numeral 10₆, the gas generator comprises astructure having a top section 82 which is identical to the otherembodiment so that it can be used in conjunction with the actuatingmechanism 42' as before. The difference lies in the construction of thebody section 76 and the lower portion thereof. There, a constriction orwaste region 144 is formed substantially midway along the cylindricalbody section 76 where there is located a puncturable seal 146 which actsto close off the lower reagent chamber 14 from the upper reagent chamber12. In the bottom portion of the chamber 14, there is located anexpansible bellows 148 to which is attached a blade 150 whose functionis to piece the seal 146 when the bellows 148 is expanded as shown inFIG. 3L. Around the bellows 148 is located liquid reagent R_(a) with apressurized gas G_(a) in the upper part of the chamber 14 as shown inFIG. 3K.

The bellows 148 is operated in conjunction with the actuator 42' bymeans of a linkage consisting of a pivoted arm 152 connected to theinner end of the actuator link 50. The arm 152 is coupled to avertically depending link 154 which has its far lower end coupled to apneumatic valve 156 which is coupled between a piston type actuatorassembly 158 and an air pressure chamber 160 connected to an aircompressor 162.

In operation, when the actuator 42' is operated by movement of thehandle 66 downward, as shown in FIG. 3L, the frangible disk 84 at thetop of the container 106 is punctured by the knife 106, but also thelinkage members 152 and 154 operate to open the valve 156, causingcompressed air to flow into the piston chamber 164. This forces aspring-biased piston 166 in cylinder 167 upward which causes the bellows148 to expand, whereupon the blade of the knife 150 punctures the seal146. The pressurized reagent R_(a) then passes upward through theconstricted region 144 where it comes into contact with the reagentR_(b), causing the gas G_(b), i.e. CO₂, to be generated as before.

It should be pointed out that with respect to the six embodimentsdisclosed in FIGS. 3A-3L, all parts other than the gas generatorcontainer 10₁ -10₆ comprise permanent apparatus and either form part ofa beverage dispenser or is installed beside the dispenser, therebymaking the gas generator, per se, disposable and replaceable with newgenerators in all instances.

Beverage Refresher

A gas generator in accordance with this invention can also beconstructed as a capsule, which is inserted in a carbonated beveragebottle and which releases CO₂ gas only when a closure or cap is applied.The intended purpose of this embodiment is to provide a means wherebyCO₂ is maintained at a predetermined level following the bottling of acarbonated beverage or is replenished once a bottle containing acarbonated beverage has been opened and thereafter recapped for laterconsumption since it is known that a carbonated beverage turns "flat"after a certain period of time even when the bottle is recapped almostimmediately. Also in the case of plastic type (polyethelene teraphelate)bottles, there is also a tendency for the CO₂ to dissipate directlythrough the bottle material itself providing a relatively flat drinkprior to initial opening where there has been a relatively large storageperiod before consumption. An embodiment of this is shown in FIGS. 4Aand 4B. The gas generator itself employs the principles explained above,but many other principles could also be adapted to this application whendesired.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the gas generator capsule 10' is depicted as beingpencil-shaped so that it can pass through the normal neck of a bottle168 (FIG. 4C). The capsule 10' of FIG. 4A includes the same basiccomponents already disclosed above with respect to the gas generatorshown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, namely: first reagent chamber 12 comprised ofa base or bottom section 30 containing liquid reagent R_(a), and apre-pressurized _(a) G gas pouch 70, and a second reagent chamber 14comprised of an upper intermediate section 32 containing reagent R_(b),and a top section 34 which is adapted to hold gas generated therein andwhich in this case is modified to fit in the mouth 169 of the bottle168. Now, however, a gas valve 174 shown in FIG. 4B is included at thetop of top section 34.

The intermediate section 32 has an orifice 170 at the upper end of atube 171 extending between the upper and lower chambers 12 and 14, andwhich protrudes above the surface of the reagent R_(b). A fine screen orfilter 172 retaining the reagent R_(b) is pressed over the lips of theorifice 170. Reagent _(a) R flows up the tube 171 into contact withR_(b) until the gas space in the upper chamber 12 achieves equilibriumwith the pressure exerted by the flexible pouch on the reagent R_(a).

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, a simple moulded plastic valve 174, which isactuated by the downward pressure of a closure member, e.g. a cap, notshown, is welded to the top section 175 which fits into the neck of thebottle 168. The valve 174 consists of two moulded plastic parts: a valvehousing 176 and a valve spindle or stem 178. The valve spindle 178extends into a relatively short delivery tube 180 and is moulded with aseries of fingers 182, which act as springs. Assisted by the gaspressure of G_(b), the springs 182 help to seat the valve whenever thedownward pressure of the closure member, not shown, is removed from thebottle 168. Thus, no gas generated in the capsule 10' will escape whilethe bottle 168 is open. When the closure is reapplied, gas G_(b) i.e.CO₂, will again be generated and feed the bottle head space until it isat equilibrium with the pressure in the flexible pouch 70. Duringtransportation of the bottle 168, the gas valve 174 is also open so thatany CO₂ lost is automatically fed back into the bottle 168 to keep thecarbonated beverage fresh at all times.

However, no reagents can pass into the beverage since the reagent R_(b)immediately below the gas valve 174 is powder. The gas exit tube 180 isalso constructed so as to prevent liquids/solids escaping, and the gaspressure helps to keep the liquid in the lower space. Moreover, sincebeverage-type components are used for the reagents R_(a) and R_(b), aleakage from the gas generator capsule 10' would not affect the safeconsumption of the beverage in the bottle 168.

Beverage Dispenser

A gas generator in accordance with this invention may also be used tomaintain a gas pressure in the head space of a beverage dispenser asshown by the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C. Anelongated relatively thin gas generator capsule 10" for this purpose isshown in FIG. 5A. It, as before, is comprised of a base section 30containing a liquid reagent R_(a) along with a pre-pressurized flexibleplastic pouch 70. It also includes an upper section 32 containingreagent R_(b) which now additionally includes an orifice 182, a filterelement 184, and a retention screen 186 at the top of the reagent R_(b).A top section 34 is further included which holds down the screen 186 andincludes the gas outlet tube 188. The gas outlet tube 188 is sealed whenthe gas generator 10" is assembled and the tube is cut as shown in FIG.5A to initiate gas release immediately prior to its use. The gas G_(b),preferably CO₂, is generated in the mode already described to maintain ahead space gas pressure in the bottle. The gas generator 10" is cradledin moulded support hoops 190 located, for example, on a dispensingdip-tube 192, as shown in FIG. 5C, inserted down into a beveragecontainer or bottle 194 and being connected to a manually operateddispensing apparatus 196.

The details of the dispensing apparatus 196 are shown in FIG. 5B. It iscomprised of five elements: a cap portion 198 including a spout 199which screws onto the threads on the mouth of the bottle 194, a valve200 including a spindle 201, a transportation sealing lock ring 202, aspring 204 and a press down dispensing head 206. The valve 200 seatsagainst a shoulder 208 on the base of the cap portion 198 and opens theflow when depressed downwards. A plurality of membranes 210, mouldedonto the valve spindle 201, seal against the bore 212 of the top of thecap portion 198 to prevent liquid leakage. The spring 204 urges thevalve 200 upwards so as to close the valve. In this it is assisted bythe head space pressure within the bottle 194. When the spring 204 iscompressed by a downward pressure on the dispensing head 206, the valve200 opens and liquid flows from the spout 199, propelled by the gaspressure in the bottle head space.

For safe transportation, the sealing lock ring 202 presses thedispensing head 206 upwards ensuring that the dispensing valve 200remains closed. The user breaks the seal of the ring 202 by screwing itdownwards to a stop. This frees the dispensing head 206 and enables itto be used. All of the dispenser head parts described above areconstructed of moulded plastic.

Aerosol

The gas generator capsules 10' and 10" illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 5A,respectively, can be also used to maintain a required gas head spacepressure in an aerosol can. Two examples of such a device are shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B. Both employ the principles previously described. Therelease of gas can be initiated by cutting the gas outlet tube 188shortly before the aerosol can 214 is sealed against a top or lid member216 containing an aerosol dispensing head 218 as shown in FIG. 6B or asdepicted in FIG. 6A by employing the simple construction of valve 174,which opens on the joining of the container lid 216 to the can 214.However, the latter configuration would delete the portion 174 from thedevice shown in FIG. 4B.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same maybe varied in many ways. Such variations, therefore, are not to beregarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the apended claims. Accordingly, all such modifications aswould be obvious to one skilled in the art are herein meant to beincluded.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of dispensing a product in an atomizedstate from a sealed container while maintaining a predetermined headspace pressure therein, comprising the steps of:filling a container witha predetermined amount of product to be dispensed, said containerincluding dispensing apparatus coupled to a dispensing tube adapted toextend into said predetermined amount of product to be dispensed;inserting a delayed pressurizing CO₂ gas generator in said container andwherein said CO₂ gas generator is comprised of a body having at leastone part for defining first and second reagent chambers on oppositesides thereof, said partition having at least one opening formed thereinfor permitting the passage of reagent between said chambers, a firstreagent in one of said chambers, and a second reagent in the other ofsaid chambers, said first reagent and said second reagent chemicallyreacting to generate CO₂ gas upon contact with each other; opening a CO₂output conduit of said CO₂ gas generator; sealing said container withsaid CO₂ gas generator inside; and feeding said CO₂ subsequentlygenerated by said CO₂ gas generator into said container for maintainingthe head space pressure at a predetermined level initially and duringsubsequent dispensing operations.
 2. The method as defined by claim 1and additionally including the step of applying a predetermined pressureto said first reagent following the starting of a reaction between saidfirst and second reagents to urge said first reagent into contact withsaid second reagent in opposition to a force caused by a pressureexerted by said CO₂ gas generated against the first reagent.
 3. Themethod as defined by claim 2 and additionally including the step ofattaching said gas generator to said dispensing tube.
 4. The method asdefined by claim 2 wherein said first reagent comprises a liquidreagent.
 5. An article of manufacture for dispensing a product in anatomized state comprising:a sealed container having a gas head spaceregion and a product holding region and including a dispensing apparatuscoupled to a dispensing tube extending into said product holding region;a CO₂ gas generator located in said container for generating andmaintaining a predetermined gas pressure in said head space, said gasgenerator including a body member having at least one partition fordefining first and second reagent chambers on opposite sides thereof,said partition having at least one opening formed therein for permittingthe passage of reagent between said chambers; a first reagent in one ofsaid chambers and a second reagent in the other of said chambers, saidfirst reagent and said second reagent chemically reacting to generateCO₂ gas upon contact with each other; said other chamber including aregion for holding the CO₂ gas generated; and means for applying apredetermined pressure to said first reagent following the start of areaction between said first and second reagents to urge said firstreagent into contact with said second reagent in opposition to a forcecaused by a pressure exerted by said CO₂ gas generated against the firstreagent.
 6. The article as defined by claim 5 wherein said first reagentcomprises a liquid reagent.
 7. The article as defined by claim 6 whereinsaid means for applying a predetermined pressure includes a gas at saidpressure located in said one chamber.
 8. The article as defined by claim7 wherein said means for applying said predetermined pressure comprisesanother gas generator located in said one chamber along with said liquidreagent.
 9. The article as defined by claim 8 wherein said another gasgenerator means further comprises an expandable closed packagecontaining a pair of reagents with one of said pair of reagentsincluding time delay means for reacting with the other of said pair ofreagents to generate a gas following assembly of said CO₂ gas generator.10. The article as defined by claim 9 wherein said one reagent chambercomprises a bottom chamber in said body member and said other chamberfor said second reagent comprises a top chamber.
 11. The article asdefined by claim 10 and additionally including an openable gas deliverytube coupled into said region for holding the CO₂ gas generated in saidCO₂ gas generator.
 12. The article as defined by claim 11 wherein saidbody member comprises an elongated body attached to said dispensingtube.